Table 2.

Example of structural analysis

Quote “What is said”	Field notes from observations “What is seen”	Meaning “What the text speaks about”	Interpretation “The theme”
“But the days I was at the stroke unit, I was all done for, I didn't hear anything, I didn't see anything.” “When everything suddenly is taken away from you and you are completely helpless, then it's nice to have the nurses.” “I thought if I would be able to walk again, I am used to going out in the morning and do stuff around the house, but now I can't.” “At night I felt unpleasant, I was restless, I wasn't awake, but I didn't sleep either” “I woke up feeling bad and then she just stood there caressing my arm and that was nice.”	The patient is sitting in the wheelchair crying, he is talking to the nurse about his former functional level. The nurse places a chair beside the patient and sits down. She puts her hand on his arm and talks to him about the early stage of the stroke phase, where nothing is yet determined. The patient smiles at the nurse when she arrived at the recovery unit	The new life situation with sudden bodily challenges makes patients feel helpless. Feelings of being in a bubble occur. Thoughts about the future and ability to walk again and handle usual responsibilities reigned in the patients’ minds. The nights are hard to endure because of racing thoughts interrupting the sleep	Being helpless and next to yourself